YouTube Shorts Thumbnail Maker
Vertical 9:16 thumbnails for YouTube Shorts. Describe the clip, pick a style and add a two- or three-word title that still reads as a tiny tile.
Size guide: YouTube Thumbnail Size (2026): Official Dimensions & Limits · TikTok Cover Size 2026 (and Reels & Shorts Covers) · YouTube Thumbnail Ideas: 25 Styles That Get Clicks
Your images will appear here
Hover an image to download or add a title.
Examples made with YouTube Shorts Thumbnail Maker
Where Shorts thumbnails show up
Most Shorts are watched in the swipe feed, where no thumbnail is shown. The thumbnail matters everywhere else: the Shorts tab on your channel, search results, the Shorts shelf on the home page and links shared outside YouTube. A clear, consistent thumbnail turns your channel page into a grid people want to browse, and that is where a viewer who liked one Short decides to watch five more.
Design rules for a 9:16 thumbnail
- Design for the centre. Shelves and grids often crop vertical thumbnails, so keep the subject and the words in the middle of the frame.
- Two or three words. The tile is small. "IT TALKS?!" reads; a full sentence does not.
- Same layout every time. A recognisable style (same font, same colour band, face on the same side) makes your Shorts tab look like a series.
- Bright and simple. One subject, one background colour, strong rim light.
How to add a custom thumbnail to a Short
Custom thumbnails need a verified YouTube account. Upload the Short, then open it in YouTube Studio and choose a new thumbnail in the details; in the mobile app you can pick a frame or an image while uploading. YouTube recommends a 9:16 image for Shorts. We export 1080×1920, the same size as the video, which YouTube accepts. Details are in the YouTube thumbnail size guide.
Reuse it on TikTok and Reels
TikTok covers and Instagram Reels covers are also 9:16, so one export works on all three platforms. If you post the same clip everywhere, keep the headline in the upper-middle part of the frame: TikTok's caption and buttons cover the bottom and the right edge. See the TikTok cover size guide for the safe zone, or make platform-specific versions with the TikTok cover maker.
How it works
Frequently asked questions
What size is a YouTube Shorts thumbnail?
9:16 vertical. YouTube recommends 2160×3840 and requires a height of at least 640 px. We export 1080×1920, the same size as the Short itself, which YouTube accepts.
Can I add a custom thumbnail to a Short?
Yes, on verified accounts. In YouTube Studio open the Short, choose Thumbnail and upload your image. YouTube recommends a 9:16 file for Shorts.
Can I reuse it for TikTok and Reels?
Yes. TikTok covers and Instagram Reels covers are also 9:16, so one export works everywhere.
Is it free?
New accounts get 40 free credits, enough for about ten images. Free exports carry a small corner mark and are for personal use; Creator and Studio plans remove the mark and include a commercial license.